Where can I find recently deleted files on Windows?
Losing important files can be a distressing experience, especially when you’ve recently deleted them. Whether it’s an accidental deletion or a case of mistaken identity, the good news is that Windows provides several ways to recover deleted files. In this article, we’ll explore the various methods to find recently deleted files on Windows and ensure that your lost data doesn’t remain lost forever.
Using the Recycle Bin
The first place to look for recently deleted files on Windows is the Recycle Bin. When you delete a file, it’s moved to the Recycle Bin instead of being permanently deleted. To access the Recycle Bin:
1. Click on the Recycle Bin icon on your desktop.
2. Browse through the files and folders to find the one you deleted.
3. Right-click on the file and select “Restore” to move it back to its original location.
Checking the Recently Deleted Folder
If you’ve emptied the Recycle Bin or deleted files from within it, you can still find them in the “Recently Deleted” folder. This folder is a hidden feature in Windows 10 and later versions. To access the “Recently Deleted” folder:
1. Open File Explorer and navigate to the path: C:\Users\YourUsername\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\Recent.
2. Inside the “Recent” folder, you’ll find the “Deleted” folder, which contains the recently deleted files.
3. Restore or delete the files from this folder as needed.
Using File History
If you’ve enabled File History on your Windows device, you can recover deleted files from previous versions. File History creates copies of your files and stores them on an external drive or network location. To use File History:
1. Open File Explorer and navigate to the path: C:\Users\YourUsername\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\Explorer\History.
2. Browse through the folders and files to find the version you want to restore.
3. Right-click on the file and select “Restore” to bring it back to its original location.
Using a File Recovery Tool
If the above methods don’t work or you’ve permanently deleted the files, you can still try using a file recovery tool. There are many free and paid file recovery tools available for Windows, such as Recuva, EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard, and Disk Drill. These tools can scan your hard drive and recover deleted files, even if they’ve been removed from the Recycle Bin.
To use a file recovery tool:
1. Download and install a file recovery tool from a reputable source.
2. Run the tool and select the drive where your files were deleted.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions to scan for deleted files.
4. Preview the recovered files and select the ones you want to restore.
5. Choose a location to save the recovered files and let the tool complete the process.
Conclusion
Finding recently deleted files on Windows can be a challenging task, but with the right methods, you can retrieve your lost data. Whether you use the Recycle Bin, the “Recently Deleted” folder, File History, or a file recovery tool, it’s important to act quickly to increase your chances of successful recovery. Remember to regularly back up your important files to prevent future data loss.
